MUT REPOSITORY

Building Trust in AI: How Ethics, Standards, and Blockchain are Redefining Global Governance

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Building Trust in AI: How Ethics, Standards, and Blockchain are Redefining Global Governance Ndung'u, Rachel N. The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has amplified concerns around trust, transparency, and accountability in automated decision-making systems. This paper explores the foundational concept of AI with Trust, examining how ethical governance, data integrity, and algorithmic transparency can be strengthened through technological and policy interventions. Drawing from emerging frameworks such as the OECD AI Principles and scholarly insights on trustworthy AI, the study highlights blockchain as a key enabler of verifiable and tamper-proof AI processes. By linking blockchain’s decentralized auditability with AI’s need for explainability and fairness, the paper argues for an integrated approach that enhances public confidence in AI systems. The discussion positions transparency and accountability as cornerstones of responsible AI adoption and offers a roadmap for aligning innovation with ethical and societal values.

Procurement Financing and SMEs Growth: Insights from Public Procurement Practices in Nyamira County, Kenya

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Procurement Financing and SMEs Growth: Insights from Public Procurement Practices in Nyamira County, Kenya Rosasi, Ombeo Thomas; Oteki, Evans B. Access to procurement financing remains one of the most pressing challenges hindering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. Despite deliberate policy interventions aimed at increasing SME participation in public procurement, many businesses continue to face constrained working capital and delayed payments, which limit their ability to scale and fulfil contracts effectively. This study assessed the effect of public procurement financing on the growth of SMEs. Specific objectives were to examine the effect of LPO financing on the growth of SMEs, to determine the influence of advance payments on the growth of SMEs, to assess the effect of payment within 30 days on the growth of SMEs and to evaluate the influence of the Youth Enterprise Access Fund on the growth of SMEs. The research was anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, which underscores the strategic importance of internal and external resources, particularly financial capital, in enhancing organisational performance and competitiveness. A descriptive research design was employed, targeting SME owners from a population of 35,700 registered SMEs. Using the formula by Yamane, a sample of 395 was selected. Data were gathered through questionnaires and analysed using multiple regression to examine the relationship between procurement financing and SME growth. The findings revealed that financing mechanisms collectively play a significant role in explaining SME growth, with nearly 79% of growth variation accounted for by LPO financing, advance payments, payment within 30 days, and the Youth Enterprise Access Fund. The study recommends that the government implement structured financing mechanisms, including credit guarantee schemes, invoice discounting, and automated supplier payment tracking systems. Policy-makers, particularly the National Treasury and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), there is a need to integrate procurement financing mechanisms into wider SME development and financing policies. Harmonisation will reduce fragmentation, ensure consistency across government initiatives, and promote sustainable growth of SMEs in the long term.

Nexus between Service Quality and Graduate Student Retention in Selected Universities in Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Nexus between Service Quality and Graduate Student Retention in Selected Universities in Kenya Kinyanjui, Sarah Higher education has been identified as a veritable vehicle for the growth of economies and fostering development internationally. Customer satisfaction with the quality of services provided largely depends on the ability of individual encounters to provide the client with the feeling of contentment from the association. Commitment by staff, their availability for one-on-one interaction and their capacity to innovate with regard to the instruction mediums of use may equally shore up the client satisfaction levels in a university. The study sought to carry out an analysis of the service quality of graduate student retention in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive design, and the stratified random sampling method was used for sampling purposes. The marketing department personnel at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Strathmore University, United States International University, and Daystar University served as the respondents. Data was collected by using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found out that service quality levels were confirmed to have assured the institutions ability to generate optimal referrals. The study recommends that universities enhance their service quality levels by working towards ensuring commitment from staff members.

Effects of Relational Marketing Strategies on Marketing Performance of the Retail Banking Segment in Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of Relational Marketing Strategies on Marketing Performance of the Retail Banking Segment in Kenya Kinyanjui, Sarah; Owino, Edward; Muhoro, Priscilla Background: The banking industry plays a vital role in driving global economic transformation; however, its marketing performance has faced challenges due to inadequate diversification strategies, evolving customer and market dynamics, rapid technological advancements, and unforeseen global shocks. Events such as the 2008–2009 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted marketing activities, causing significant declines in the performance of retail banking segment. In this context, relational marketing strategies have emerged as essential tools for revitalizing marketing performance. The current study sought to determine the effect of relational marketing strategies on the marketing performance of retail banking segment. Anchored in the commitment trust theory, the study focused on 40 commercial banks within Nairobi City County, targeting a sample of 200 employees. Materials and Method: Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires, with a pilot study administered to 10% of the sample to ensure reliability and validity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including diagnostic and hypothesis testing, with a 5% significance threshold (p < 0.05). Results: The regression finding revealed that relational marketing strategies had a significant association with performance of retail banking segment. Likewise, relational marketing strategies regression coefficient was found to be statistically significant on performance of retail banking segment (r2=.333). The study established that relational marketing strategies significantly influenced marketing performance of retail banks in Kenya. Conclusion: the study suggest that banks should embed ethical principles and transparency into marketing strategies, banks can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, foster stronger connections with customers, and enhance overall marketing performance.